When innovation means progress - BEUC’s view on innovation in the EU

From new treatments for deadly diseases and longer-lasting products to cleaner vehicles, innovation can benefit consumers. Innovative products and services can improve consumers’ health, wellbeing, and safety, and also help them live more sustainably. 

But innovation can also go wrong. Adequate regulations must therefore be in place to minimise risks for consumers of innovative products and services. Moreover, consumer and societal benefits must be central for innovation to be well accepted and ultimately adopted.

The EU research and innovation agenda should:

• Give priority to supporting innovation which addresses demonstrated consumer and societal needs.
• Promote inclusive innovation that benefits all and not a select few.
• Involve civil society in a meaningful way.
• Ensure that public money is used for goods that serve the larger public.